Investigation of a Split-Dimple Fin Geometry for Heat Transfer Augmentation Available to Purchase

The use of an interrupted plate fin with surface roughness in the form of split-dimples is investigated. Time-dependent high-fidelity simulations are conducted for laminar, early turbulent, and fully turbulent flows, Re_H = 360, 800, and 2000. Detailed analysis of the domain’s flow structure, turbulent statistics, and heat transfer distribution is presented. Regions of high heat transfer occur at the fin and protrusion leading edges, at flow impingement on the protrusion faces, and flow acceleration region between protrusions. Flow separation and large wakes induced by the large protruding surfaces of the split-dimples, increase friction losses and reduce heat transfer from the fin. The split-dimple fin has a heat conductance 60–175% higher than that of the plate fin, but at 4–8 times the pressure drop.